"support Black women at risk of deathly abuse"

Black women who are at risk of domestic murder face additional barriers in accessing support that could mean the difference between life and death, according to a new report. 

Research by the Centre for Women’s Justice and Imkaan, titled Life or Death, found that Black women and girls who are victims of domestic abuse are being continually failed by the police and support agencies.

Complex intersections of both race and gender have only amplified these dangers in comparison to white women, which are described as not just “isolated tragedies,” but “social patterns”.

The 158-page report examines hard-hitting cases including 38 domestic homicides, six suicides following domestic abuse and two case studies of women who killed their abusive partners.

The report found a lack of trust when reporting to the police, fear of racial stereotyping and their information being shared to immigration officials as stumbling blocks for adequate support.

Authors of the report have stressed the need for more support for “by and for” services to tackle the risk Black women face.

Mary Clarke, Interim Co-Executive Director of Imkaan, said: “Our data shows that almost all the women who were killed were not receiving support from ‘by and for’ services, even though 71% did disclose abuse to agencies.”

“Chantelle, one of the women from our research, had approached the police to report her abuse but they minimised her situation, which resulted in her not reporting to the police again. No action was taken by the police, and she was killed by her partner a few weeks later. Chantelle’s experience is one that we see sadly, time and time again.”

By and for services can provide lifesaving and transformative support for Black women and children. However, many women can’t access the support due to a lack of funding and reduced availability around the country. 

Clarke added: “Black organisations are five times less likely to obtain statutory funding compared to mainstream organisations. This is reflected in data which shows that only 7.6 percent of local authorities in England fund Black and minoritised ‘by and for’ VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) organisations.

“It is vital that we address the systemic failures and gaps in specialist support.”

Harriet Wistrich, Director of Centre for Women’s Justice, said: “The report highlights a number of ways in which the state failings may amount to indirect discrimination and be in breach of obligations signed up to in international treaty conventions. 

“We intend to explore further action to challenge such failings and call for all state agencies concerned to consider and implement the recommendations in the report.”

The reports come after the murder of Perseverance Ncube, 35, who was stabbed to death in front of her children on 10 November. Her death has been referred to the Domestic Homicide Review. 

Valerie’s Law, legislation that is calling for the police and other agencies to undergo mandatory cultural awareness training, will be used to support Black victims of domestic and sexual violence.

The landmark law, named after Valerie Forde who was murdered by her ex-partner in March 2014, has been campaigned for by Sistah Space.

The leading charity is just one of a few in the UK that are Black-run and provide specialist services to African and Caribbean women.

Clarke added: “This report provides an important insight into the stark realities of women who are subjected to male violence and abuse, and failed by a system that was supposed to protect them because of poor, racist and discriminatory practice.  

“The narratives of the women who were killed show clearly how critical access to ‘by and for’ services are for Black women. It is vital that we address the systemic failures and gaps in specialist support – otherwise Black women will always remain in greater danger of femicide.” 

*This story first appeared on The Voice online website.